2020-21 Academic Catalog

This course focuses on South Asian musical traditions including qawwali, folk and popular musics, and the classical Hindustani and Carnatic traditions of North and South India. We will consider the historical and cultural contexts of several genres, read the work of scholars from various disciplines, and study relevant audio and video. Students will learn rudimentary theory of Indian classical music, understand its twentieth and twenty-first century developments, and develop listening skills to enable recognition of major genres, styles, and artists. One day a week will be devoted to applied study of Indian vocal raga. No musical background required.